Climate Change, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies in the Alpine Space (ClimChAlp)

The Alps are particularly sensitive to climate change, and recent warming has been roughly three times the global average. Climate model project changes in the coming decades, including a reduction in snow cover at low altitudes, receding glaciers and melting permafrost at higer altitudes. Furthermore experts point out sharp shifts in temperatures and extreme precipitations. Climate change is influencing a critical economic and ecological system, which is already vulnerable to natural hazards as well as demographic and environmental pressures. International commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential. In the Alpine area they should be integrated through sectorial and economic policies in order to reduce and adapt to climate change consequences. The main objective of the project INTERREG III B – Alpine Space named “Climate Change, Impacts and adaptation strategies in the Alpine Space - ClimChAlp” was to develop transnational strategies for the prevention of the climate change risk in the Alps and adaptation. The project contributed to the sustainable development of the Alps in the fields of territorial planning and natural hazards, and in their socio-economic aspects. The project scientific activities were organized in four thematic areas a comparison, assessment and enhancement of present monitoring techniques, prediction and assessment of potential impacts of climate change on spatial development and key economic sectors (e.g. tourism, mobility, agriculture, forestry, settlements, industries), an in-depth analysis of current management tools and practices of the Alpine countries dealing with natural hazards, a recapitulating synthesis of the results attained in order to get a better understanding of the current and future impacts of climate change to the Alps.